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Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-07-02 at 19:04
HEADLINES
1. Israel Battles Hamas as Casualties Surpass 880
2. US Moves to Arm Israel Amid Iran Tensions
3. Brazil Celebrates New Diplomatic Ties with Israel
The time is now 03:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.
Today in the region, Israel remains fully engaged in its ongoing conflict with Iran and its proxies, amid a rapidly shifting landscape of alliances and threats. The Israeli military continues its ground operations in Gaza, targeting Hamas and its military infrastructure, with recent reports confirming the death of an IDF soldier, Sergeant Yaniv Michalovitch, in a firefight in northern Gaza, bringing the total Israeli military casualties since the start of the ground offensive to over 880. Israeli officials emphasize their commitment to dismantling Hamas’s military capabilities and securing the release of remaining hostages, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowing to eliminate Hamas "down to its very foundations." He also highlighted Israel’s strategic energy goals, aiming to expand its energy sector and become a regional energy hub, while praising the efforts of troops and rescue teams responding to Iranian missile strikes.
On the diplomatic front, Israel is pursuing negotiations for a potential 60-day ceasefire, with reports indicating that Hamas is reviewing proposals from international mediators and that an agreement may be forthcoming within the next 24 hours. Meanwhile, Israel is actively working to secure the release of hostages, with recent indications of optimism that Hamas may accept terms for a deal. Israeli officials also continue to address the threat posed by Iranian-backed groups, with intelligence revealing that Iranian terror cells operating in southern Syria have been disrupted following successful interrogations by elite IDF units.
International support for Israel's defensive measures is also evident. A bipartisan bill has been introduced in the United States Congress, which, if passed, would authorize the transfer of advanced military assets—including B-2 stealth bombers and bunker-busting munitions—to Israel. This legislation aims to enhance Israel's ability to deter Iran’s nuclear ambitions and respond independently if necessary, especially in light of recent US strikes targeting Iran’s nuclear facilities. The bill has garnered political support but also faced criticism from figures such as billionaire Elon Musk, who warned that the legislation could harm the US economy and jobs, while some Republican senators expressed support for the measure.
Meanwhile, regional developments include Brazil establishing an official Day of Friendship with Israel, on April 12, commemorating the anniversary of its embassy opening in 1951, signaling growing diplomatic ties despite recent tensions. Elsewhere, in Europe, Germany’s foreign minister has expressed support for the controversial ‘silver passport’ program, which has stirred emotions among Jewish and Ukrainian communities.
On the security front within Israel, tragic incidents continue, with two children losing their lives today in road accidents, and a 20-year-old man wounded in a Jerusalem attack. In the broader Middle East, Iran reports observing unusual aerial activity over Tehran, described as a fast-moving bright object in the skies, fueling speculation about military or covert operations.
In the domestic political arena, Israeli political leaders remain divided over the approach to Gaza and the broader conflict, with some advocating for the application of sovereignty over the West Bank ahead of upcoming visits by US officials, while others call for caution and strategic negotiations. Additionally, in regional and international diplomatic circles, discussions are ongoing about the influence of external actors on the conflict, including the role of Qatar and Turkey in mediating or obstructing truce efforts.
Published on 5 days, 11 hours ago